Community News

State Sen. Ken Yager presents a check to Becky Ruppe, board chairwoman of CASA of the Ninth Judicial District. With his check and the proceeds of a silent auction at his annual chili supper, Yager raised $3000 for CASA’s work of advocacy for abused and neglected children. On hand for the presentation are CASA volunteers and staff, from left, Sandra Weaver, Wendy Lanning, Joel Pearman, Brent Sigmon, Dane Griffith, Holley Lopater, Nancy Maynard, Jackie Rylander and Nancy Steele. Call 717-4186 for more about CASA.

AARP Tax-Aide is offering free income-tax assistance and preparation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday from Feb. 4-April 8 in Kingston Community Center at 201 Patton Ferry Road.

Seven IRS-trained tax counselors will be available on site to offer assistance this tax season.

AARP Tax-Aide, one of the nation’s largest free volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation services available to taxpayers with low- and middle-income, has been available in Roane County for more than 20 years.

All the supermarkets seem to be expanding in every direction these days, and they’re full of specialized departments which purvey myriad exotic fruits and vegetables from other climes, ethnic specialties, gourmét offerings, and ready-prepared foods that only need a zap in the microwave. The possibilities do seem to be endless.

One department of special interest is the area where fresh herbs are available. They are packaged ready for use, or set in little pots to grace your kitchen windowsill.

A new campaign to educate voters about the judicial system, the importance of fair and impartial judicial elections and how to evaluate judicial candidates launches this week in Tennessee, one of eight states to participate in the “Informed Voters — Fair Judges” project sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges and the League of Women Voters.

The project launches at noon today, Jan. 15, with a live webcast and videotaped presentation by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor.